Continuing Professional Development - First in line

Effective first-line management is a priority at Lincolnshire Montessori, following the successful implementation of its business development plan 2009/10, which saw it invest £22,000 in training during this period.

The organisation delivers childcare and Montessori education for children from birth to 12 years at two sites and now has 50 employees. Its business plan, 'Building a Learning Way of Life', focuses on key areas such as retention of staff, perceptions of added value to the salary of employees, and creating links between professional development and career progression. Ten staff are beginning Level 4 qualifications and one has achieved EYPS.

Development manager Nathan Archer reports that the nursery's professional review process also highlighted the need for first-line management training. 'Our training manager worked closely with Train to Gain and secured funding for 14 members of staff to undertake the Institute of Leadership and Management Level 3 Award in First Line Management. This was delivered over five Saturdays by local training provider CERT, with all 11 candidates securing a pass. The training comprised workshops followed by assignments and tutorials.'

Mr Archer says that staff retention is high, with a 7 per cent annual turnover, down from 10 per cent, and compared with an industry average of 35 per cent. Lincolnshire Montessori has just been shortlisted for a Lincolnshire Echo Business Award in the category 'Leadership and Workforce Development'.

BASE FOR MANAGEMENT

Along with the Certificate and Diploma, the ILM Level 3 Award in First Line Management has been designed to give practising, or aspiring, managers a solid foundation in their formal development.

The Award provides an introduction to the basic skills, knowledge and understanding required by an individual in this role. The ILM says the mandatory unit 'Solving Problems and Making Decisions' develops practical techniques for tackling managerial problems and making decisions.The course also looks at achieving objectives through time management, and organising and delegating.

ILM offers a range of support materials for the Award, including sample unit assessments and videos. All learners gain free studying membership of ILM for one year.

FURTHER INFORMATION

www.lincolnshiremontessori.co.uk

Institute of Leadership and Management, www.i-l-m.com